A major land dispute has erupted over the Coalition for Democratic Change’s (CDC) plan to construct its new national headquarters in Congo Town, casting uncertainty over the party’s much-publicized groundbreaking ceremony.
The conflict stems from complaints raised by landowner Safee Edwardson, who accused the CDC of attempting to stage a groundbreaking event on his property without finalizing any purchase agreement.
Edwardson explained that CDC officials had earlier expressed interest in acquiring two lots of land he owns in the Congo Two community, valued at more than US$300,000. According to him, the party later proposed paying only US$5,000 upfront to proceed with the groundbreaking ceremony, scheduled for October 18, 2025, while promising to negotiate the full payment afterward.
“They came to me wanting to buy the land, and I was very clear about the price,” Edwardson stated. “But what surprised me was when they offered only $5,000 to do the groundbreaking and said we could talk about the rest later. That’s not a respectful or transparent way to do business.”
Feeling disrespected and legally vulnerable, Edwardson filed a writ before the Monrovia City Court, accusing the CDC of criminal trespass and other offenses. The case is now pending court action.
In response, Eugene Nagbe, Chief of Staff to former President George Weah, dismissed the controversy, insisting that all preparations for the construction are complete. Nagbe confirmed that the new CDC headquarters will indeed be built in Congo Town along Tubman Boulevard, and further revealed that similar party offices are planned for all fifteen counties across Liberia.
“That thing you see on my page, exactly that’s what we are going to have,” Nagbe stated confidently.
However, the ongoing court battle has cast doubt over the feasibility and timing of the project. Should the court side with the landowner, the CDC could face major setbacks, including possible delays or a complete halt to construction until a legal settlement is reached.
The unfolding situation has attracted national attention, with many Liberians now watching closely to see whether the once-dominant ruling party can resolve the dispute and proceed with its ambitious infrastructure expansion plan.
